Introduction
Selecting the right duct production line is critical for ensuring stable output, accurate duct dimensions, and long-term manufacturing efficiency. With multiple configurations—manual, semi-automatic, and fully automatic—manufacturers must evaluate capacity, material compatibility, automation features, and budget before making a decision.
This guide provides a clear, practical method to choose the best duct production line for your HVAC manufacturing needs.
Types of Duct Production Lines
Different lines suit different factory sizes and production volumes.
Table 1 — Duct Production Line Types Overview
| Type | Suitable For | Output Level | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Manual Line | Small workshops | Low | Manual feeding, low investment |
| Semi-Automatic Line | Medium factories | Medium | Automatic leveling + beading |
| Full Auto Duct Line (Line II / Line III / Line V) | Large factories | High | Coil feeding, leveling, notching, shearing, forming |
| Customized HVAC Line | High-end demand | Very high | CNC control, punching, corner inserting, auto forming |
Key Factors When Choosing a Duct Production Line
Production Capacity Requirements
Ask yourself:
How many meters of duct do you produce per day?
Do you need batch production or continuous production?
Quick Reference
| Daily Production | Recommended Line |
|---|---|
| 50–100 m | Manual / basic line |
| 150–300 m | Semi-automatic |
| 400–1000 m | Full automatic duct line |
Type of Ducts You Need to Produce
Different duct production lines support different duct types:
Rectangular ducts
Spiral ducts
Round ducts
TDF/TDC flange ducts
Pittsburgh lock ducts
If you need only rectangular ducts, choose a full-auto duct line.
If you produce round or spiral ducts, you need to pair it with a:
Spiral duct machine
Round duct forming machine
Gorelocker / elbow machine
Automation Level
Higher automation = higher efficiency + lower labor cost.
Automation Comparison Table
| Feature | Manual | Semi-auto | Full-auto |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coil feeding | Manual | Automatic | Automatic |
| Leveling | Manual | Automatic | Automatic |
| Notching | Manual | Semi-auto | Automatic |
| Shearing | Manual | Automatic | Automatic |
| Forming | Manual | Manual | Automatic |
| Labor cost | High | Medium | Low |
| Precision | Medium | High | Very high |
If you want the lowest manual labor, choose Full Auto Line III / Line V.
Material Thickness & Compatibility
Check the supported material:
Galvanized steel
Mild steel
Stainless steel
Aluminum
Typical thickness:
0.5–1.0 mm for standard HVAC ducts
1.2–1.5 mm for heavy-duty applications
Choose a line that supports your maximum operating thickness.
Space and Factory Layout
A full duct production line usually requires:
8–22 meters installation length
3–6 meters width
Enough space for coil storage + output table
If space is tight → choose a semi-auto line
If space is ample → choose full-auto duct line V
Budget Considerations
Manual line → low budget
Semi-auto → medium investment
Line II / Line III → mid-high for medium factories
Line V full-automatic → for high-volume factories
Focus on annual production cost, not only machine purchase price.
Essential Features to Look For
To ensure long-term productivity, choose a duct production line with：
CNC touchscreen control
Automatic leveling & grooving
Servo motor feeding system
High-precision notching & punching
Fast changeover for different duct sizes
Reliable electrical components (Schneider / Siemens)
Energy-saving inverter system
These features significantly reduce leakage rates and improve duct consistency.
Recommended Workflow (Buyer Checklist)
Table 2 — Practical Selection Workflow
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Confirm daily/weekly production volume |
| 2 | Check duct types (TDF, TDC, Pittsburgh, etc.) |
| 3 | Match automation level with labor capacity |
| 4 | Confirm supported material thickness |
| 5 | Check available factory space |
| 6 | Evaluate electrical components & brand reputation |
| 7 | Ask for test videos + sample ducts |
| 8 | Evaluate after-sales support |
Conclusion
Choosing the right duct production line requires evaluating production volume, automation level, duct types, and factory layout. The right selection significantly boosts productivity, reduces labor costs, and ensures consistent HVAC duct quality.
FAQ
A semi-automatic duct line is ideal for small-to-medium factories upgrading from manual processes.
Line V is fully automatic with the highest speed and fewest manual steps.
Typically 8–22 meters in length depending on the model.
Mostly rectangular ducts. For spiral/round ducts, separate machines are required.
Coil feeding accuracy, leveling quality, and CNC cutting precision.